I think it’s funny that people try to “correct” the spelling of my middle name from “Monè” which is the way my middle name is spelled, to “Monet”, which is the spelling they think is correct. My Mother chose to spell my middle name that way. It wasn’t a mistake. It makes me unique and I love it.
I become slightly irritated when
I send someone the correct spelling of my name and they take it upon themselves to decide that my middle name is spelled wrong based on their own knowledge of what it should be. Or their own fear that I somehow spelled it wrong and it will make them and their project (program, news article) look bad.

In thinking about this it dawned on me that it is the same with knowing who you are as a person and being confident in the personality, gifts and essence that you were given by God. To others it may seem that what you were given is flawed in some way because it doesnt look like what others think it should. THIS IS NOT TRUE!! What you were given is exactly what you were meant to have and it is what makes you unique and qualified for a specific purpose.
When you go against that or let people try to mold and change you into what works for them and not you, you are not being true to who you are.
In reality maybe my middle name should be spelled “Monet” according to grammatical standards. However, that’s not the name I was given so the only standard to adher to is that of the giver.

It is the same with who you are. You may feel like a square peg trying to fit in a round whole. YOU ARE!! GO FIND SOMETHING SQUARE! LOL! You may feel like the essence of who you are is not good enough for others. Remember, they did not create you, they are not the one who qualifies you. It is your creator who does that. Trust God enough to know that what he made is GOOD. “God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Genesis 1:31

If you notice God didn’t say it was very good because He got approval from others, but because HE SAID IT WAS GOOD. Because He believed it was good. There was no one else around anyway. He had to have the confidence to declare it was good! Lol!
Let’s carry the same confidence as our creator! Say it with me “I AM VERY GOOD just the way I am!!” Believe it and just be who you are!!

So when i start feeling less than or like im trying to be something im not to please others i will remind myself of this… I AM VERY GOOD…

Oh and it’s Danielle MONÈ NOT Danielle Monet

Be encouraged today ya’ll!1 Timothy 4:4 For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving

We’ve been picking the brains of Women of Color over the past couple days to get their perspective on hair, relationships, and self esteem as we get ready to open our show “3” on September 16th! The first installment of the three- part series “Nappy Hair and Other Black Girl Blues”.

Today’s question has got some amazing and hilarious responses. Here are some of the comments below! Let’s keep the discussion going. Your life stories will help this series come to life! Be apart of he magic!! We encourage you add your 2 cents to the mix, via Facebook or RIGHT HERE!

Rachel Marie One of my favorites “you glue them (tracks) in? Ok so like with hot glue or elmers” I told her elmers lol

Sharla Sizzle Oh this is the dumbest thing Ive ever heard..(from a black guy SMDH).. “light skinned people have long hair and theyre smart and dark skin people have short hair and that makes them less smarter” no joke

Jenevieve Hutchison One day back in elementary school while I was using the restroom, a few girls that I didn’t even know came up and started asking me about my hair. Then one of them said, “Let’s count how many braids she has,” and wouldn’t let me leave until they were done. 129 braids later…..

THE NAPPY HAIR AND OTHER BLACK GIRL BLUES SERIES….
NAPPY HAIR “3”
AND OTHER
BLACK girl BLUES SERIES NEWSLETTER

Newsletter??

Yes!! I’ll be sending out a weekly news letter to give you the scoop and keep you in the loop on what’s happening with
The Nappy Hair and Other Black Girl Blues Series! Show dates and times, Ticket info, Promo Videos, Campaign info, and our Nappy News of the Week!!

Save The Date:
One Woman Show “3”
to open September 16, 2011

“3”, the first installment of the “Nappy Hair and Other Black Girl Blues” series, takes a look at the lives of three women connected by friendship and history. Concieved and performed by Danielle Mone` Truitt. Written by Anthony D’Juan. “3” captures the break down and growth of female esteem rooted around hair.

“3” will premire at The Living Room in Los Angeles, California. Show dates and times TBA.

Our Campaign!!!

Help us produce “3”!! We have until September 15th to meet our goal! So far we’ve raised $100 of our $4500 goal. How can you help? It’s easy! Just click the link below and find out about our awesome show, what cool perks you get for your support, then DONATE!!http://www.daniellemonetruitt.com/be-a-part-of-the-magic.html

IN NapPy neWs THIS WEEK:

Okay, this story CRACKED me UP!!! I’M not sure
how many of you heard about it! Rihanna unveiled
the cover art for her next single “Man Down” via
Twitter a couple months ago. Meanwhile a pseudo fan
was more focused on her hair in the photo than her
actual choice for the next single.

Rihanna’s response after the jump:

I literally laughed out loud when I read this! I almost screamed
“yaaaaaaaaassss Ri Ri yaaaaass”! lol!!Her response was hilarious,
but I loved it because she didnt shy away. Although many of our
African Americanfemale celebrities rock straight weaves on the
regular they too have to deal with ignorance. As i read further
@NinyaBella states that she really meant that her hair looked ratty.
Well why didn’t she use that term? Is the term “Nappy” interchangable
with “Ratty”? I guess it would have been “Ratty” if Rihanna was not black!
The term “Nappy” continues to carry a negitave connotation,
and is constantly used as an insult. Do we embrace
this term as black females? Or fight against the reference at all cost?
Whatever your thoughts, we are constantly
faced with ” Nappy Hair and Other Black Girl Blues”.

This past Saturday I went to PIHOP (Pasadena International House Of Prayer). On Saturday evenings they have what they call prophetic prayer. My church, The LivingRoom, took a field trip there in April, but I wasn’t able to go because I had just given birth a couple weeks prior. Needless to say it was worth the wait!
I was in desperate need of an encouraging word from God. I needed clarification, and confirmation. Well I got that and more! I am still completely overwhelmed by what God spoke to me through the prophetic teams. Some of it I am still trying to digest, but one thing that has been playing back in my head since Saturday is “God is saying yes to you… yes, yes, yes”. If God is saying Yes to me then there is nothing that I cannot dream, pursue, plan, do and prepare for! The promises God has placed on my heart will be fulfilled.

I realized I don’t have many Haters in my life. Not “Lebron James” hates atleast (lol)! I have very supportive people that I am connected to for the most part. The problem is that I hate on myself!! I get these ideas of things I want to do and then while I’m planning I talk myself out of it! I literally put myself down and tell myself that what I’m dreaming of is impossible. “You don’t have the money” “You’re not talented enough”, “no one is going to come”, ” your friends & family just support you because they have to not because you’re really that talented or amazing”, and the list of hateration goes on until I put yet another idea on the shelf waiting to be validated by someone outside of myself and God. What THE HECK DANIELLE MONE’!? Well I’m sick and tired of MYSELF!! I am SO SERIOUS when I say this. Where did this fear come from? When did I become so insecure in this area?

The Bible says that perfect love cast out all fear! God loves me fully and perfectly and He is saying YES YES YES TO ME! I think somehow I forgot how much God loves me. How much favor He has placed on my life! Or maybe I never really believed He loved and favored me in the first place. That sounds crazy to say but as sad as it is, I think it may be true. In any case, I’m taking His yes, His love and favor and I’m running with it! I will not be held back by the doubt in my own mind. By this enemy that is myself!

I literally haven’t blogged in almost a year. Crazy right? So much has happened since then!

The biggest change to date is that I’m a MOMMY! I’m still a little in shock! I was changing my little angels diaper the other day and I looked in the mirror and thought ” what am I doing with a baby?? I’m only 16!” Lol. The fact of the matter is that yes, Jackson Elias Truitt is definitely MY baby and I’m definitely 30 not 16! Yes, the big 3-0, 30, THIRTY FREAKING YEARS OLD! Where did the time go?
I really feel like this is a brand new beginning for my life. With any beginning you have no clue where it’s going. I’ve never been here before but I know it is the start of something incredible. I watch my Son and I feel like his life and physical growth will mirror my spiritual growth and manifestation of my dreams into reality.
So, I’m excited to be back! I created this blog for the purpose of transparency and freedom! Cant wait to share my thoughts, triumphs and failures with you in hopes that you will do the same! More posts coming soon!

It’s been a while since I blogged, but i wanted to share this. In our Small Groups (www.tlrmovement.com) we are doing a study on John 15. Staying connected to the vine and baring fruit in our lives. So our assignment was to pick a fruit and give it a persona. At our meeting we were to share what we came up with. People wrote poems, songs, Top Five’s…etc. Really fun! I LOVE MY CHURCH!!!! Anyway, I’m in Sacramento performing my heart out so i’m not able to go to small group, but i wanted to still participate and be connected! so this is what I came up with! :0)

Lemonade For Sale!!

By Danielle Truitt

So one day I got a surprise phone call from The Man Upstairs. I was really really shocked because He has never reached out to me in that way before. I felt really special, but I didn’t want to come off too excited because it might have been bad news…

(Phone Rings)

God: Hey Dani!

Dani:(hesitant) Hey God…How are you?

God: Oh, i’m doing great! Got a lot of work to do today, but it’s all worth it!

God: Dani, Dani, Dani!!! No explaination needed. I heard you when you said that quick prayer on Saturday. We’re good, that’s not what i’m calling about.

Dani: OH! (laugh) okay God… whew… So how can I help you?

God: Well i’m sending you something. Just something to inspire you and show you what I think about you!

Dani: Really God? Thanks so much! I can’t wait!

So around 3pm I went to check the mail. Nothing. Disappointed I returned to my door step to find a Lemon sitting on top of a letter. I was totally confused. I thought to myself “Why is there a lemon sitting on my porch? This can’t be what God was sending me!” I mean a present from God would at least be delivered thru UPS and i’d definitely have to sign for it…. RIGHT?!? So I picked up the Lemon and letter and went into the house.

Dani: Bentley… calm down!!

I sat on my couch and slowly opened the letter. Then I began to read.

Dani: Dear Danielle,

I know you are confused as to why I sent you a lemon. You were expecting something much bigger or even better. These days your expectations are huge and I really love that about you, but make sure you see me in the small things too! So, this lemon. This lemon represents you and the call I have put on your life! Though the fruit and its juice have a sour taste to it, lemon is actually a fantastic buffer in the body. Lemon juice and peels have an antiseptic effect and the leaves of the tree are used to reduce fever. In addition, lemons are rich in vitamin C which strengthens the immune system and acting as an antioxant, protects cells from radical damage. Lemons as a therapeutic usage helps anti-inflammatory action. It helps the body cleanse itself by promoting perspiration and acting as a natural diuretic. Kind of gross, but necessary. Lemons also stimulate the appetitie, aids digestion, strengthens body defense system, relieves cramps and also dilates the blood vessels in the skin. Lemons are known for lots of useful remedies.

So, I know you are wondering what all this means. I have given you a very unique personality and make up. I have gifted you in so many areas and sometimes you wonder why and what for. Every single part of you is for my glory. Although you are not by nature, the sweetest fruit, you are an essential part to the healing of my people, and the body of Christ. I will use you as an example of strength and resilience. You will help others to see and access the power that I have put inside of them! Because I have created you to be a “buffer in the body” your antiseptic nature will help protect my flock and will equip them to fight off the attack of the enemy. You will stand for righteousness, and you will be able to recognize and call out the spirit of pride because of your therapeutic nature that helps anti-inflammatory action. Through the arts you will inspire people and “stimulate the appetite” for excellence! You will help people get to core of exactly who they are and let go of the waste they are carrying! I know that most of the things I have called you to are things that you struggle with. I did this on purpose so that you and the body will know that it is I who is doing this work in you!

Don’t worry about how people look at you. Those who judge you, and despise your sour taste. Those who say that all you are is a sour lemon. They don’t know you like I do. I love you and I have called you according to my purpose!

As an extra token of my love I attached a small bag of sugar. Cut open your lemon and squeeze out some juice. Add some sugar to your juice. now all you need is a little water and it becomes a tasty treat!! This is something special I want you to have when things get hard and the call of ministry weighs on your shoulders. I love you Dani!

Till we meet in Paradise,

God The Father

Dani begins cutting the lemon. She squeezes some juice into a cup and then adds some sugar. She begins to cry. Tears fall into her cup.

Dani: (Crying tears of joy) … I think I just made lemonade… Thanks God…